An 11-Year-Old’s Thoughts on Linux

Article by Clare Wighton

Why did you start using Linux?

I began using Linux because it was a way to use an old computer without having to buy a new one. I needed a computer and my dad had a 10yr old Lenovo laptop that he said I could use. In the state it was in it was basically unusable so my dad installed Linux Mint on it. What seemed like a broken computer is now a brand-new laptop, it can do all the things my school Chromebook can and more!

What do you use it for?

I use the computer for lots of things, such as schoolwork. Having Linux is useful for doing research and writing reports. Recently I was working on a project in social studies and Linux made it really easy and accessible to get information. I also like to use the computer to watch videos on YouTube. Sometimes I play games on the computer such as Subway Surfers or Make It Meme. I also enjoy using the computer for online shopping and listening to music.

What do you like about it?

I like Linux because it is kind of like a way to make an old computer brand-new so less computers end up in a landfill. It is easy to use. It is very accessible. The computer can do all the stuff a regular Macbook can. You can also customize it, I even found a way to get a cat wallpaper and every time you open a new tab a new cat appears and you can accessorize the cats and when you put your cursor on them they purr. I also found a way to make my tab bar themed like Taylor Swift.

Is there anything you want to do/ learn?

I want to learn how to create videos and edit them, and I want to learn more about graphic design. I’ve started experimenting with programs like Kdenlive and GIMP. I want to learn more about computers so it’s nice having one I can play around with and try different things, because I’m not allowed to play with my dad’s work computers.

What would you tell your friends who have never heard about Linux before?

I would tell my friends who have never heard of Linux before that it’s 100% free, and they should try it out for themselves. I think my friends would like Linux because it’s similar to the Chromebooks we use at school but there’s so much more you can do with it. What’s great about Linux is that you can try it out on pretty much any computer without having to erase what’s there.